NEWPORT Gwent Dragons boss Kingsley Jones insisted the right decision was made to play their Anglo-Welsh Cup game against Newcastle at a boggy Rodney Parade.

The game was called off with 12 minutes remaining with the Falcons taking the spoils 18-6 to knock the Dragons out of the competition.

English referee John Meredith gave the go-ahead and, after he had left the pitch with a calf strain, Welshman Gareth John called an end to proceedings when pools of water were gathering at the southern end of the pitch, close to the Hazell Terrace.

Cross Keys’ Pandy Park had been sounded out as an alternative venue but the decision was made to stick in Newport on a pitch that had been used by County in their vital League Two success against Hartlepool 24 hours earlier.

“I do (think the game should have gone ahead), Newcastle had travelled down and it was just that the rain kept coming,” said Jones.

“I know (Newcastle coaches) Dean Richards and John Wells really well and we were all on the same page and wanted to play.

“It wasn’t perfect but the boys wanted to play. I am just disappointed that we lost at home.

"I told the players at half-time that I was really disappointed. I thought we controlled the ball well in the conditions and I thought we looked well organised and good.

"We have talked a lot about compounding errors and giving penalties away. Points are at a premium in conditions like this and I felt we gave Newcastle those opportunities and they took them once they were there."

Former England number eight Richards hailed the efforts of the Rodney Parade staff to get the fixture played.

"To be fair to the Dragons ground staff, they did well to get a game on at all,” said the Falcons director of rugby.

“It was literally touch and go before the game and when you start the game, you always have to see it through.

"Conditions were not great but both teams tried. Everyone entered into the spirit of it. I have only probably played in two or three games like that before - and loved every minute of them!

"But, having said that, the boys were outstanding on the day. Their discipline in the first half was incredibly good.”